Weekend Picks:

Kent County - Maryland's second oldest county was founded in 1642 by settlers who named it for the county they left in England. The Rock Hall Museum shows Native American artifacts and nautical relics, and the Waterman's Museum, also in Rock Hall, has exhibits on oystering, crabbing and fishing. Historic homes line the waterfront of Chestertown, which is the county seat and located on its namesake, the Chester River.

Somerset County - Harvesting seafood is a way of life in Somerset County. This rural county was founded in 1666 and was named for Lady Mary Somerset, sister of Cecilius Calvert's wife, Lady Anne Arundell. The town of Crisfield is known as "The Crab Capital of the World" because so many of the residents' lives are centered around these tasty crustaceans. A visit to the Governor Tawes Historical Museum in Crisfield will take you through the town's history, its seafood industry and life of the area. Take a cruise boat or ferry to Smith Island, a unique community where things have changed very slowly since the island was first settled.

Tilghman Island, Maryland - experience a small piece of paradise in the agreeable latitudes of Tilghman Island, the pearl of the Chesapeake Bay. Unspoiled. Authentic. Sprinkled with unexpected pleasures. All with an attitude that's noticeably...relaxed.

Located in S. Maryland in Calvert County, Solomons Island is a Boaters paradise right off the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River. Solomons Island at one and a half miles long is a little, quiet community in the winter, But in the summer it hosts boaters from all over. Once a quaint fishing, crabbing, oysteringand boat building village it was discovered by the recreational boating crowd in the late 70's. Now there are things to do for everyone. From historic tours to elegant dining to some of the best fishing on the Bay to partying all night you will never be bored. There are hotel/motels in the area, many bed and breakfasts, marinas, boat repair facilities, Calvert Marine Museum and Drum Point Lighthouse, free public boat launch, personal watercraft and boat rentals, many nightclubs and restaurants.

On The Eastern Shore in Kent County is Historic Rock Hall. With its fine marinas and restaurants, it is a favorite destination of many. The well protected harbor is home to work and pleasure boaters. The Rock Hall Museum has exhibits of local artifacts. The Watermens Museum showcases a heritage still alive today as modern fishermen catch the Bay's bounty of crabs, fish and oysters. Just past Rock Hall Harbor lies The Haven on Swan Creek, with several excellent marinas and a beautiful and secure anchorage.

Baltimore, Inner Harbor Marina offers convenient location to downtown Baltimore and all of its attractions. Visit Baltimore by boat and enjoy all its attractions.

Onancock is a small, rural, waterfront village on the eastern shore of Virgina, a pleasant place to visit by boat or car. The harbor is a great hurricane hole and offers basic facilities for sailors. And just 1 hour by vehicle north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Chincoteague Island is a picturesque island community, the home of Assateague Island National Seashore. The serene fishing village is the home of many craftsmen and artists. And while in the area, it might be worthwhile to go the southern tip - to Cape Charles.Travel & Leisure Magazine says: "Cape Charles isn't yet as magnetic a destination as Onancock or Chincoteague...but it has the potential to achieve the best of both those worlds" - and with its revival downtown, wonderful beaches and a beautiful set of B & B's, it an interesting destination today.

Just a quick drive from Ocean City lies beautiful Assateague Island, a natural barrier island with beautiful marshlands, miles of pristine beaches and plenty of sparkling water for endless sporting activities. The island is home to Assateague Island National Seashore Park and Visitor's Center, and Assateague State Park. If you are a camper, the island is perfect for camping, hiking, biking, surf fishing, clamming, crabbing, canoeing and kayaking. You can explore the island on the off road beach trail with you 4X4, for registered users only, or peddle yourself around the island on the paved bicycle nature paths. Assateague Island is also home to wild horses and ponies. The wild horses and ponies are often seen along the roadside, in the campgrounds, and along the beach and bay side. Also, if the horses or ponies are feeling hot and itchy, you'll see them cooling off in the ocean or in the bay. Park rangers remind visitors to be extremely cautious of the wild horses and ponies, although they seem friendly, it can be very dangerous if you try to feed or pet them.

St. Michaels, Maryland Its not that it is hosting a "must-see" event, but rather that it offers a wide range of smaller festivals and attractions that are ideal for a low-key escape. Concert, shopping, boating, historical tours, St Michaels is always and enjoyable and fun destination. Learn more from the nicely presented St. Michaels website.

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